Choosing a budget turntable: “warm” vinyl compromises up to 15 K rubles

Expert: Evgeny Mikhailovich Obolensky

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

The value of vinyl records and turntables lies in their soft sound. That is why many music lovers have a special passion for them. In addition, a gramophone/record player can be a chic addition to the interior to emphasize the sophistication of the owner of the room.

For this article, the editors of Expertology magazine have selected 16 of the best turntables, dividing them into 2 thematic categories. The following aspects served as criteria for selecting products for the rating:

1. sound quality;
2. reviews from users and experts;
3. technical equipment;
4. indicators of structural reliability and durability;
5. cost level.

How to choose a good vinyl player?

Vinyl players are a special type of musical equipment. Naturally, the experience of using them is too different from using acoustic centers, sound bars, subwoofers and speakers. If you want to choose a cool gramophone, we recommend paying attention to the following parameters:

1. Case material
   . Avoid turntables with plastic bodies, as this material greatly distorts the sound. Give preference to “boxes” made of MDF, glass, acrylic or solid wood. However, before purchasing, be sure to check their integrity and the quality of adjustment of the prefabricated parts to each other - if they are not assembled tightly, then after some time the body will begin to crack and also distort the sound.
2. Disc material
   . The situation is approximately the same here - avoid plastic and pay attention to aluminum, steel or glass samples. The optimal size for disks would be a diameter of about 300 millimeters. Also check the mat (mat) for thickness and tightness, since it is this that will dampen the vibrations of the support disk and plate during operation.
3. Type of drive.
   The drive is responsible for smooth operation and compliance with the selected speed. There are only two of them: belt (pass) and straight. In general, they are equivalent in terms of the number of advantages and disadvantages. In a belt drive, the motor is as far away from the pickup as possible, which eliminates distortion from its vibration. On the other hand, the connection with the support disk is established through a belt, which cannot maintain a stable playback speed, and when worn, it slips and requires prompt replacement. In this regard, direct drive wins because it keeps the game consistently smooth. However, it requires great effort to isolate it from motor vibrations, which is why the price of such models increases significantly. Choose what is closest to you.
4. Tonearm and its length
   . An intricate device with an interesting name serves to hold the pickup head in the correct position relative to the record. The accuracy of the sound depends on this. We recommend taking a closer look at gramophones with tonearms from 9 to 12 inches. A long tonearm will reduce angular error when playing vinyl.
5. Pickup
   . Contrary to popular belief, this is the most important part of a turntable. The quality of the sound produced directly depends on the pickup. There is only one piece of advice here: choose gramophones with pickups from well-known manufacturers, including Audio-Technica, Ortofon, Grado, etc.
6. Automatic or manual control?
   Tricky question. On the one hand, automatic is more convenient, since you don’t need to bother with setting up the tonearm, switching speeds, and you will save the game from wear and tear while idling. However, it also has a huge disadvantage. If the mechanisms are weakened, the tonearm may fall onto the record and thereby damage it. In addition, if the model does not provide for adjustment of the pressing force, then wear and tear of the game and rubbing of the tracks is guaranteed. Manual control is not as comfortable, but it avoids the disadvantages of automatic control.

Cartridge

You may not have to think about the cartridge at first - almost all models of the budget and mid-price lines come with cartridges already installed, so you just need to find a set that you like the sound of as a whole - but replacing this element is a good way to inexpensively upgrade in the future, and its worth keeping in mind.

The cartridge's job is to remove information from a groove - more precisely, this is the function of a needle, which is made of a very hard material, usually diamond. But don't get too excited - this is an industrial stone, not a gemstone.

The tip of the needle is very thin; it moves along the groove and follows all its twists as the disk rotates.

The speed of oscillation and the swing of the needle are converted into the frequency and amplitude of the signal, which you then hear through the speakers. This movement is transmitted through the cantilever or needle holder - the lever to which the needle is attached - into the cartridge.

There are two types of phono cartridges: moving magnet and moving coil. The operating principle of both is based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, in which movement in a magnetic field leads to the induction (induction) of current.

As is easy to understand from the name, in one type of cartridge a magnet moves to induce current, and in the second, a coil moves, and the magnet is fixed. So, if we are talking about a moving magnet head, it has a tiny magnet attached to the hidden end of the cantilever; vibrations of the needle tip are transmitted to it in this way.

The changing field of the magnet causes current to flow in tiny coils located nearby; this signal is output from the opposite end of the cartridge and fed to an amplifier or phono stage.

Moving magnet cartridges typically have smoother electrical characteristics, allowing manufacturers to design one design to suit almost everyone. For those with a moving coil, things are not so simple.

MC cartridges with a high output signal level are almost no different from their MM counterparts, while low-level cartridges have a significantly lower signal. To optimize the sound, the phono stage must have a variable gain. For most MM cartridges, 40 dB will be enough, MC models need from 50 to 70 dB.

Moving coils also vary in their requirements for resistance, capacitance, and inductance—all three together make up impedance.

In general, it is easier to find a good MM cartridge in the budget category, so there is no need to change the existing one, unless you are planning a full upgrade to an MC alternative that will fit your player. In any case, make sure that your phono stage is compatible with the cartridge you choose.

If this item is not factory installed on your turntable, or if you are replacing it with a different one, be sure to check the owner's manual for instructions on how to do so, and our list of the best models.

Rating of the best vinyl players

Rega Planar 3

Wonderful vinyl player.

Pros:

• Sounds incredible for the money
• Dust cover included
• Excellent tonearm
• Excellent build quality

Minuses:

• Changing speed requires plate removal

For many, this will be the only turntable they will ever need. The legendary Rega Planar 3 name is back after a few years as the P3 and then the RP3 - and that's because it's a completely new player.

The RB330 tonearm is an evolution of the old RB303 with a stiffer bearing housing and new cable routing. The plinth has been redesigned, the main bearing has been manufactured to tighter tolerances, and the spacers have been made stronger.

The result is one of the best vinyl players under 100,000 rubles. Timing and imaging are accurate, creating a surprisingly wide soundstage and bass is lively but controlled.

Best Premium Vinyl Players

Clearaudio Concept MM

Rating: 4.9

Another representative of the price segment for 100 thousand rubles, without strange design solutions. Clearaudio Concept MM is a device with manual control and a three-band electronic speed switch. Its peculiarity lies in the use of very soft and high-quality components. The concept tonearm has a straight shape, is made of a rotary type and has anti-skating. The concept MM head, in turn, has a wide range of weight adjustment - from 2.5 to 17 grams. All this contributes to the precise and precise adjustment of the force of pressing the needle on the vinyl, and, as a result, increasing the life of the pickup and records.

There is also no arguing about the sound quality. It is magnificent and there are two reasons for this: structural and technical. The first is the MDF body and acrylic disk, which compensate for absolutely all extraneous noise and vibration. The second is a consequence of a wide range of reproduced frequencies (20-20000 Hz) and a speed deviation of no more than 0.05%. Is it worth taking this model? If you like uncluttered style and excellent sound, as well as reliable technology, then it's definitely worth it.

Advantages

• despite the belt drive, the speed deviation does not exceed 0.05%;
• quality equipment;
• sophisticated, no-frills appearance;
• acrylic disk;
• high degree of reliability.

Flaws

• high price.

Marantz TT-15S1

Rating: 4.8

This model is designed to surprise. The Marantz TT-15S1 is a compact vinyl turntable with manual controls, manual speed control and a very strange approach to design parameters. It would seem that the acrylic body should have a similar or aluminum disk, but...make do with plastic. This is a drawback, even despite the high sound quality in the range from 20 to 20,000 Hz. The deviation in playback speed in the device can reach 0.2%. This is not at all critical, since it is not even perceptible by ear. The signal-to-noise ratio is 80 dB.

Now a few words about the tonearm and cartridge. The TT-15S1 is equipped with components from Clearaudio, which are very expensive, reliable and distinguished by precise forms. The MM Symphony pickup allows a clamping force of up to 5 grams - in some cases this is justified, but often leads to rubbing of the tracks. The tonearm is straight, rotatable, and has a length of 293 millimeters. There are no questions about it, since the mass balance is excellent. What do we get as a result? A huge price tag and several annoying mistakes that do not allow the instrument to rise to the first line of the rating.

Advantages

• acrylic body;
• body kit from Clearaudio;
• completely manual control;
• adjustable height of support legs;
• high sound quality;
• durability.

Flaws

• plastic disk;
• very high price.

What are the advantages

Why do music lovers love vinyl so much? Such players attract the attention of both the younger generation, who is keen on the aesthetics of the past, and avid audiophiles who love to be completely immersed in a piece of music.

What features are typical for this equipment:

• The sound is no, it is not cleaner or better quality, it is neither ahead nor behind modern stereo systems. The sound of vinyl has, as music lovers say, “warmth,” and when listening to records, you can feel the vibrations caused by the rotation of the record. A needle and a running motor can “revive” any work. That is why such devices are highly appreciated by both professionals and amateurs.
• Style – without a doubt, the player will fit well into any, even the most modern, interior. It is absolutely impossible to spoil the design of the room with such equipment, and vintage notes will always add individuality.
• Additional bonuses - many performers record their compositions specifically for vinyl, i.e. the user, when purchasing an album on plastic, receives a number of additional material, exclusive variations of songs, etc. In addition, music lovers have long elevated rituals associated with listening to a part of the cult songs on the player. This should include wiping dust from records, installing them in the device, replacing components and caring for the device.
• And, of course, one cannot fail to note the complete immersion in the musical composition. Listening to records deprives the user of the opportunity to rewind the song to the desired moment; this approach allows you to fully experience every note, letting the music pass through you.

The best vinyl players in the mid-range and budget segment

Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USBHC

Rating: 4.8

A real hit on the vinyl turntable market from the audiophiles from Audio-Technica. It looks cool, with obvious retro styling, but it works even cooler with sound. Despite the cost, this model uses a direct drive, which better and more accurately adapts to the selected playback speed (basic 33, 45 and 78 rpm). Moreover, the switching is electronic, while there is no automation in the model.

The AT-LP120-USBHC comes with a built-in phono stage, an anti-slip curved tonearm, and an AT95E cartridge. The sound quality can be indirectly judged by the signal-to-noise ratio within 50 dB and by detonation in the region of 0.2%. This device weighs about 10.7 kilograms, but, again, every “excess” here is due to either design or technical characteristics.

Advantages

• electronic speed selection;
• manual control;
• great sound out of the box;
• adequately responds to user modifications;
• great design;
• direct drive.

Flaws

• not detected.

Pro-Ject Debut III

Rating: 4.7

The Pro-Ject Debut III vinyl turntable is a direct embodiment of the saying “small but mighty.” Despite its compact dimensions, its weight is 5.6 kilograms - the reason for this is several factors. But first things first. The drive here is a belt drive, which allows you to change the speed in three standard ranges: 33, 45 and 78 rpm. In this case, the speed is adjusted manually, since there is no automation. There is also no phono stage here, which opens up the field of possibilities for equipping with custom spare parts. As a result, a direct effect on sound quality is just the thing for music lovers!

The model's configuration includes a Pro-Ject 8.6 aluminum tonearm with anti-skating, as well as an Ortofon OM5e cartridge with variable weight from 3.5 to 5.5 grams (using weights). As a result, the clamping force of the needle can be adjusted from 1 to 3 grams. Now regarding the weight parameter. The turntable table is made of massive MDF, and the 280 mm disk is made of steel, which is why its own weight is 1.3 kilograms. In conclusion, we note that the model is sold in several color variations - from strict black to mint and even yellow.

Advantages

• great sound;
• the ability to manually adjust the pickup tracking force;
• excellent appearance;
• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• anti-skating.

Flaws

• not detected.

How did it all begin?

The phonograph, invented by Thomas Edison in 1877, can be considered the ancestor of vinyl record players. The role of the plates was played by rollers covered with foil or wax-impregnated paper. The needle moved along the grooves on the roller, producing sounds.

The first records appeared in 1897, thanks to Emil Berlinger, they were made of shellac, had a diameter of 7 inches (minions) and could accommodate audio recordings no more than 2 minutes long. Later, 10-inch (grandees) and 12-inch (giants) records appeared, which could hold recordings of up to 5 minutes.

For almost 30 years, records were single-sided, and only in 1903 did they find a way to record sound on both sides: one song on each side. Sometimes records were sold in sets that resembled a photo album of several record sleeves that made up a concert. Therefore, a collection of several songs by one artist began to be called an album, which was colorfully decorated in an envelope or box, and its duration was 40 minutes.

Until 1920, the only method of sound recording remained mechanical. The frequency range of such recording was 150 – 4000 Hz. In 1920, the era of electroacoustic recording began, and a microphone was used as a sound pickup. It is from this year that records receive a new “sound breath” with the ability to reproduce the frequency range from 15 to 10,000 Hz.

In the 50s, the recording of music “on bones” was developed in the USSR: handicraft production of records with foreign songs on developed X-ray photographs. In the USSR, the largest one in the 70s produced about 100 million vinyl records per year, but in the 90s the era of CDs arrived and record production volumes decreased significantly.

The second wave of vinyl's popularity can be attributed to 2008, when its sales doubled.

Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB

Looks amazing and sounds great too

Pros:

• Bright appearance
• Deep, controlled bass
• Huge sound stage
• Great importance

Minuses:

• Annoying screw clamp

The Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB looks and sounds amazing. The thick perspex plinth that gives it its name combines with the suspended subchassis and carbon fiber tonearm to create a truly impressive turntable.

Its tight, deep bass and wide soundstage offer a taste - no, more like an insatiable taste - of high-end hi-fi without the price tag to match.

Add in a dust cover and push-button speed control and, well, what more could you ask for? All that remains is to add a suitable cartridge and phono stage. Then you are on your way to audio nirvana.

Pro-Ject Elemental

Exceptional Value

Pros:

• Not just another boring rectangle
• Wonderfully warm, full sound
• Easy installation

Minuses:

• Without dust cover

Want to plunge into the world of Hi-Fi? This is the cheapest way. The Pro-Ject Elemental is a belt driven turntable with an impressive Ortofon cartridge installed and aligned, and it sounds great.

Warm, detailed sound combined with a distinctive curvy appearance makes this package unbeatable for the entry level. Remember that you will need to budget a little more for a phono stage if your amp doesn't have one built-in.

Crosley T 150

LP with two speakers.

Crosley T150

Crosley T 150 is not an ordinary player, but a whole audio kit that will allow you to appreciate high-quality sound. One device combines modern technologies and an interesting, laconic design. For connoisseurs of high-quality sound, this updated model is like a godsend. Aluminum cast disk, two playback speeds (33 rpm, also 45) will allow you to appreciate clear sound, devoid of extraneous noise. Exclusive new generation vinyl player Crosley T 150 for music lovers who value high-quality budget devices with incredible sound.

The player weighs 3.6 kg with dimensions 660x300x200 mm. Case material: high-quality matte plastic, automatic control. This player is equipped with two 30V speakers, Bluetooth (4.2 version), magnetic cartridge, built-in amplifier, RCA connector. The two-speed player has a stylish design with excellent hardware.

Main characteristics

• Tonearm: rotating, straight
• Drive: belt
• Speed ​​change: automatic
• Phono stage: switchable
• Power: 35 W
• Connection: Bluetooth
• Material: MDF/Fibreboard

Equipment

• Two speakers and wires for connection
• Dustproof transparent cover
• Adapter for singles

Video review

• Simple controls.
• Laconic design.
• High quality sound.
• There is a Pith control function.
• Affordable price.

• Inconvenient location of the power button.
• Plastic case.

Ritmix LP-380B

LP player with microlift.

Ritmix LP-380B

Ritmix LP-380B player is thought out to the smallest detail, has many useful functions, is protected from dust, and vibrations are effectively damped due to rubberized feet. LP-380B is a high-quality electronic equipment. It comes with two speakers, is equipped with a straight rotating tonearm, and operates in three-speed mode (33 rpm, also 45, maybe 78). A microlift option is available, including an anti-roll regulator.

The player weighs 6 kg with dimensions 165x300x90mm. The sound reproduction quality is at the highest level, thanks to the sapphire pickup stylus. Two-channel connection to the player (USB, RCA), belt drive, manual control, Bluetooth support (up to ten meters), Auto Stop. A variation of the body made of plastic with MDF inclusions. Thanks to the presence of rubberized feet, the device does not slip on the surface.

Main characteristics

• Tonearm: rotating, straight
• Drive: belt
• Speed ​​change: manual
• Phono stage: yes
• Speed: 78 rpm
• Power: 20 dB
• Material: MDF/Fibreboard
• Connection: Bluetooth

Equipment

• Transparent cover.
• Two 10V speakers.
• Power unit.

• Speakers with good sound.
• Availability of Bluetooth module.
• Convenient microlift.
• Compactness.
• Stylish design.

• There is no connection to the computer.
• There is no way to record on a PC in DSD.

iON Trio

Budget retro player.

iON Trio

iON Trio is not only high-quality sound, but also a chic addition to a stylish interior. Retro design is always in fashion. Budget vinyl player at the best price. This exclusive model will delight you with its stylish fifties design in the form of a compact suitcase. Three in one device. This means that you can listen to your favorite records on the player, there are built-in speakers, and there is a radio (FM/AM). This model demonstrates clear sound directly through the built-in high-quality speakers.

The weight of the retro model is 2.3 kg with dimensions of 370x350x200 mm. There is a standard RCA connector for connecting to a stereo system, for an AUX audio player (3.5 mm). It operates in a three-speed mode (33 rpm, also 45, maybe 78), where the speeds are set manually. The body is made partly of wood and plastic, the tonearm is straight, rotating, and built-in speakers. Reliable fixation on a flat surface due to rubber feet, so there will be no unwanted vibration, which negatively affects the clear sound. The goods are packaged in thick cardboard packaging.

Main characteristics

• Purpose: minisystem
• Number of channels: 2.0
• Tuner type: analog
• System power: 10 W
• Power per channel: 5 W
• Number of stripes: 1
• Playback speed: 33/45/78 rpm
• Body material: wood/plastic

Equipment

• Dustproof transparent cover.
• 45 turns adapter.
• Felt mat.

Video review

• Retro design.
• Good performance from built-in speakers.
• Autostop function.
• Radio.
• High quality case.

• Design for everyone.
• Weak stock speakers.
• Sensitive setting.

Rega Planar 8

A discreet effort from Rega

Pros:

• Exquisite, impartial sound
• Easy to set up
• Impressive from a purely engineering point of view

Minuses:

• Not particularly impressive visually

Rega has abandoned this deck for an impressively engineered performance-only effort.

And in this context, Rega has succeeded admirably. The Planar 8 is an expressive soundboard that delivers free, natural, and authoritative music. If you want to reveal all the details of your vinyl collection, Planar 8 is the deck that will reveal everything.

Add in the excellent Ania cartridge and you have another great turntable from Rega.

Technics SL-1200GR / SL-1210GR

Great upgrade

Pros:

• Unprecedented time and grip
• Seismic Bass
• Fantastic build quality
• Incredibly versatile

Minuses:

• High offer price
• Minor lack of permission

The 1200 and 1210 are so associated with DJing that most people don't realize they were originally designed as hi-fi turntables. And these new versions have been upgraded to further improve sound quality, with a damping disc, an improved motor with digital speed control and a low-noise power supply.

The result is a turntable with phenomenal timing and capture, as well as the ability to extract amazing bass from those vinyl grooves. Set aside your preconceptions and give it a try.

Technics SL-1500C

One of the most affordable Technics players

Pros:

• Reliable, rich sound
• Bank vault build quality
• Plug'n'play simplicity

Minuses:

• Suitable alternatives available

With the SL-1500C, Technics has delivered its most compelling rupee-for-ruble product since it rose from the ashes in the 2010s.

120,000 rubles is not a small amount to pay for a direct drive turntable, although there are many on this list that are eye-wateringly more expensive. You get a built-in phono stage for the money and a confident, fun listening experience. The quality that the SL-1500C offers is undeniable with its plug-and-play approach and beautiful design.

Cambridge Audio Alva TT

Excellent high definition wireless source

Pros:

• Easy to set up and use
• Bank vault build quality
• Great smooth sound
• Streaming in high definition

Minuses:

• Lacks maximum dynamics
• Quite expensive

The Alva TT, named after the father of the phonograph, Thomas Alva Edison, burst onto the scene as the world's first aptX HD Bluetooth turntable.

The ability to stream at 24bit/48kHz makes it ideal for those who want convenience without sacrificing performance. It feels hefty in a good way - and is stylish for the price, and gives the impression of solid build quality.

Playing records the old way still produces better results than a wireless connection, with its unbiased, accurate and convincing performance. But wireless opens up placement options and makes joining the vinyl revolution less daunting than before.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

Budget Performer

Pros:

• aptX Bluetooth streaming
• Built-in phono stage
• Understands sound basics

Minuses:

• Sound-safe
• Seems unimportant

The LP60XBT picks up where the LP60 left off, mostly improving on its predecessor without breaking the bank.

It's not the most solid deck in terms of build, and the sound may be safe. Changes have been made to resonance tracking and suppression using a fairly unbiased approach to the frequency range. He gets the basics right.

It's Bluetooth streaming via aptX at this price that's of interest. As an investment, it's affordable, and if you're looking for convenience, the LP60XBT makes a compelling case.